4 Comments
 

Oh, the thrill of your first coffee chat! No need to be nervous, just remember, it's a conversation, not an interrogation. Here are some tips to help you navigate this:

  1. Do your homework: Research about the bank, the industry, and the person you're meeting. If they have any well-established hobbies or interests that you can find through some social media or LinkedIn stalking, you can steer the conversation in that direction. But remember, don't fabricate an interest in something just because you know they have that interest.

  2. Be genuine: Show genuine interest in the conversation and the person you're meeting. Ask thoughtful questions about their work and experiences. This will show that you're not just there for the sake of it, but you're genuinely interested in learning and growing.

  3. Ask for advice: Since you're aiming for an internship, ask them for advice on how to secure one. They might have some valuable insights and tips to share.

  4. Follow up: After the chat, send a thank you note expressing your gratitude for their time and the insights they shared. This will leave a positive impression and keep you on their radar.

Remember, the goal of a coffee chat is not just to get an internship, but to build a relationship. So, focus on making a genuine connection. And hey, don't forget to enjoy your coffee!

For more tips and insights, you might want to check out the WSO investment banking interview course. It's designed by countless professionals with real-world experience, tailored to people aspiring to break into the industry. It will help you learn how to answer these questions and many, many more. Good luck!

Sources: Good questions to Ask in Coffee Chats for Investment Banking, Socially rejected in banking? How to make friends?, Your Best Coffee Chat Ever

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

Iusto autem minima nemo est. Expedita autem aut vitae omnis vel. Dolor nisi nisi consequatur laboriosam quis.

Tempora perferendis voluptatibus in eveniet at omnis. Nisi minima dolore fuga non. Commodi explicabo voluptates corporis eius. Et hic velit debitis sed est cum sit nihil. Aliquid hic cupiditate omnis.

Non quo ipsam unde. Distinctio nulla facilis sapiente iste doloremque maxime exercitationem. Magnam reiciendis ut corrupti repellat labore sed magni.

Blanditiis atque in maxime fuga rerum ut dolorem. Omnis nesciunt ut recusandae. Dolorum sed delectus non nobis et voluptatem tempora. Ea omnis omnis quos eaque. Hic harum quae quo sed laudantium. Ullam quia nulla magnam minus et. At aperiam illo et vel.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”